Technical Information

Hold on to your hats, below you will find some pretty cool technical information. If you’re after something a little lighter you can find our FAQ’s here.

Outlast® Temperature Regulating Technology

Outlast® technology, originally developed for NASA, utilizes phase change materials (PCM). A phase change material (PCM) is a substance with a high heat of fusion which, melting and solidifying at a certain temperature, is capable of storing and releasing large amounts of energy. Heat is absorbed or released when the material changes from solid to liquid and vice versa; thus, PCMs are classified as latent heat storage (LHS) units.

Outlast® technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for longer. Outlast® phase change materials work in the same way, but are micro-encapsulated to be permanently enclosed and protected in a polymer shell. We call micro-encapsulated phase change materials Thermocules™.

These Thermocules™ are incorporated into our fibres and fabrics, and have the capacity to absorb, store and release excess heat. This gives Walero base layers (AKA, underwear) the ability to continually regulate skin’s microclimate. As the skin gets hot, the heat is absorbed, and as it cools, that heat is released.

Outlast® technology is not wicking technology, which manages moisture by reacting to your sweat and pulling it away from the skin. Outlast® technology will proactively manage heat while controlling the production of moisture before it begins. That’s the Outlast® difference.

Flame Retardant Technology

We have all heard of Nomex® underwear, right?! Well, much like ‘Google’ is to search engines, ‘Nomex®’ has just become the generalised term for FR underwear made for racing.

Developed in the 60’s by French company DuPont®, the Nomex® fibres became the go-to for making FR underwear in the racing industry.

Well, at Walero we aren’t happy with the standard! We simply weren’t happy with the rough, scratchy feeling that is caused by the Nomex® fibres in base layers. So, we went in search of something different. Softer, more comfortable, better!

We discovered a Protal® a fibre with permanent flame retardant (FR) qualities. Unlike non-permanently FR treated materials, the protective qualities of ours don’t wear out. Nor do the fibres expose the skin to chemical additives. Not a bad find, eh!?

We then spin this together with a combination of other fibres to create our unique Walero yarn. It is this yarn which is then knitted together to produce our famous, supersoft fabric. Which in turn is stitched together with flat-lock seams to create Walero base layers.

It goes without saying (well, almost!) that all Walero base layers are FIA and SFI compliant (in fact, we exceed the test criteria, but no-one likes a showoff!).

Envirotech+ Hospital Grade Anti-Microbial

We’ve also added Envirotech+ which is a nontoxic, hospital grade antimicrobial to our clothing that’s 99.999% effective against many common bacteria as well as many fungal spores and viruses.

Envirotech+ Biomimetic is a highly resistant nontoxic, hospital grade antimicrobial coating air-dry/air-cure fabric treatment. Added to all Walero clothing its 99.999% effective against many common bacteria as well as many fungal spores and viruses.

Envirotech+ technology was initiated by a scientist working with species of newt called Pleurodelinae . He discovered when lesions were made on the skin they quickly healed. Further tests were carried out successfully with high levels of common pathogens in the habitat of the amphibian.

This resulted in an in-depth investigation into the mucous produced by the skin and the discovery of complex proteins responsible for the immune response, Envirotech+ is not a protein and is what’s known as a Bio-mimetic. What is a Bio-mimetic? In simple terms it is a polymer with electrical charges that mimic those associated with megaining type proteins. They copy the cidal actions of the defence protein found in the skin of Pleurodelinae. Envirotech+ is therefore nature identical and will prevent the formation of microbial colonies as nature intended.